Page 17 of Unexpected Love

That’s when Chloe’s face paled, then turned green. I quickly carried her into the bathroom, but nothing happened. She gagged a couple of times, but that was it.

“Fuck, I can’t leave you like this.” My mom would understand.

“Joe, I’m okay. You’ve got a four-hour drive ahead of you. My parents live super close, as do my brother and Eli. I’m covered. Go be with your family.”

“Okay, but you call them right away if you need them. You shouldn’t be alone.” It didn’t sit well with me that she could be getting sick all by herself.

She rested her cheek against my chest, tucked in the spot right under my chin. My arms wrapped around her, and neither one of us spoke.

“I really have to go, but we’ll talk later.” I kissed her forehead because it was safer for both of us right then.

As I pulled out of Chloe’s driveway, she gave me a small wave. I don’t know what it was, but I could feel it in my soul that it was going to be hard staying away from her.

Now at my parents, I psych myself up for the news I’m about to give them. Since they’re expecting me, I don’t bother knocking—I just step inside. I find my dad and baby sister Haddie sitting in the living room. “Hey, guys.”

My sister has grown into a beautiful young woman. Her strawberry blonde hair is long with curls that frame her face. She’s got pale blue eyes like our mom. Haddie comes to me, wrapping me in a tight hug.

“Hey, big brother.”

I kiss her cheek. “What’s up, squirt?”

She leads me farther into the room. “Nothing. I start nursing school next month. I’m so excited.” Haddie will make a great nurse—she’s compassionate and caring. She’s always over at Abby and Ben’s helping with the kids, especially when Ben works doubles.

“You’re going to do amazing.” I reach my dad. He stands up to give me a hug. “How are you, old man?”

“Who are you calling old? I could still kick your ass.” I follow him into the kitchen, where my mom is leaning against the counter with her Kindle in her hand. She’s always been a reader, and she’s a multitasking reader too. She’ll be reading while vacuuming, dusting, cooking…etc.

All of us kids inherited her love of reading. I read a lot of sports biographies and a few murder mysteries. “Jesus, woman. Do you shower with that thing, too?” My mom looks up and smiles. I love the little gap she has between her front teeth. Haddie’s got the same one. It matches their characters completely.

“Hi, honey.” She gives me a hug, and I look down at her and smile. I’m still not sure how this tiny woman gave birth to me—I was almost a ten-pound baby—but she did and then had two more after me. Abby isn’t my biological sister, but Mom’s raised her since she was three.

“Hey, Mom.” I bend down and kiss her cheek. “What’s for dinner? It smells delicious.”

“Turkey Tetrazzini, your favorite. Do you wanna set the table for me?” she asks as she pulls down plates.

I move her out of the way, finishing grabbing everything and taking it to the table. “Is Parker going to be here?” He just started an electrician apprenticeship last year. It’s in Charleston, so he’s staying with our uncle Cash and Aunt Tessa and their kids during the week.

“No, he’s helping your uncle on some big project that they’re doing around the house,” my dad says as he takes the dish from me. “Your mom and I are really proud of you kids. You’re all doing so great.”

My stomach dips, and I rub my neck. I hate the idea of disappointing my parents. I know I’ve caused them some grief for as long as I can remember, but this is far more…I wouldn’t say worse, but it’s more monumental. This isn’t going to just change my life but Chloe’s, too.

We finish eating, and Haddie excuses herself to go to a movie with Daisy. As soon as she’s gone, I help my dad clean up after dinner.

“What’s got you troubled?” My dad leans against the counter, looking at me pointedly.

I swallow the lump in my throat. “You may want to sit down. Mom, can you come in here, please?”

She steps into the kitchen and looks between us. “What’s going on? Are you okay?” Rushing toward me, she cups my face and turns it back and forth. “Are you sick?”

She’s such a worrier. “No, it’s nothing like that. Please just sit with Dad.”

Pacing back and forth in front of them, I try desperately to muster up the courage to say what I have to. I take a deep breath and blow it out slowly. “The night of Vi’s wedding, I…I slept with Chloe.” It’s just like ripping off a Band-Aid. I just need to do it quickly. “She’s pregnant, and it’s mine. We’re going to get to know each other better, and I want to help her raise our child.”

Neither of them speaks. They both stare at me, and I can’t read either of their expressions. This is worse than the time my mom found the condoms in my room when I was fifteen.

“Please say something,” I plead.

My mom is the first one to speak. “How did this happen, Joseph?” Oh shit, she’s pulling out the full name. “Sweetheart, I love you very much, but you should know better.”

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